Fans gear up for MLS

Rick CurwenYoung Timbers" fans pose in front of the Timbers' Army trailer.Portland Timbers' season opener against the Rochester Rhinos kicks off at 7 p.m. on Saturday and local soccer fans have much to look forward to, both off the pitch and on it. Coach Gavin Wilkinson has assembled a strong squad for the Timbers' last season in USL Division 1 with an eye on next year's move up to MLS.

The fans have also been busy preparing for next year. For starters the perennial question "Where do go for a "NO PITY" scarf" has been solved, albeit temporarily. Follow that up with the news that the unofficial supporters' group of the Timbers, the Timbers Army, has made merchandise available online and last but by no means least, the Portland Timbers Kid's Club has put together another attractive package for 2010.

The NO PITY scarves are a big Timbers Army success story with over 6,000 sold. Individuals usually sponsor 10 scarves out of an order of 100+. When the order is received they collect their scarves and then sell them on at cost. A new order of scarves has arrived and the sponsors will be picking them up at the Timbers Army trailer which will be parked at SW 20th and Burnside next to the Potato Champion and Koi Food Carts between 4 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. before Saturdays game. Get them while they are hot!

Rick CurwenThe NO PITY Scarf.The Timbers Army recently put a large selection of it's merchandise online. This will enable fans to purchase online and either have it delivered to their home or arrange to pick up their purchases at the trailer on match day. Proceeds will go towards the operation and activities of the 107ist as well as charitable organizations. The 107ist is a non-profit organization that uses the money it raises to support the TA and other soccer organizations, charities and events in the Portland-area.

Last year we bought our 4 year old grandson Ace membership to the Kid's Club. This year we have added Sally, his 2 year old sister.

This year the Kids' Club package includes:

An Official Timbers Kids Club lunch box.

Free ticket vouchers to two Timbers Kid's Club days.

June 27 (versus FC Tampa Bay Rowdies) includes a Q&A and autograph session with Timbers players

August 29 (versus Crystal Palace Baltimore) includes a special Timbers Kids Club Bash with a mini-clinic run by Timbers players, food, prizes and an exclusive Timbers autograph session.

Monthly email newsletter with updates on the team, Dairy Farmers Tip of the month and exclusive members-only discounts on tickets members and their families.

Discounted rate on Timbers soccer camps throughout the spring and summer.